Rasmus Dahlin's Fiancee Recovers After Near-Death Incident, Rejoins Sabres for Playoff Run

Carolina Matovac's health scare and pregnancy loss brought the Buffalo team together during Dahlin's difficult season.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of color and abstracted hockey players, conveying the intensity and drama of the Sabres' playoff push.A fractured, cubist depiction of a hockey game captures the raw energy and emotion of the Sabres' first playoff run in 15 years.Buffalo Today

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin's fiancee, Carolina Matovac, nearly died while the couple was vacationing in France in 2025. Matovac suffered heart failure and was on life support for weeks before receiving a life-saving heart transplant. The couple also lost their unborn child due to the medical emergency. Dahlin was granted leave by the Sabres to travel to Sweden and be with Matovac during her recovery. After a long road back, Matovac was able to attend her first Sabres game on March 25, 2026, receiving a standing ovation from the Buffalo crowd.

Why it matters

Dahlin's personal tragedy brought the Sabres team together and inspired them to rally around their star defenseman during a difficult season. Matovac's recovery and return to the stands is an uplifting moment for the team as they make their first playoff appearance in 15 years.

The details

In the summer of 2025, Rasmus Dahlin and his fiancee Carolina Matovac were vacationing in France when Matovac suffered heart failure. She was placed on life support for weeks before receiving a heart transplant that saved her life. Tragically, the couple also lost their unborn child due to the medical emergency. The Sabres allowed Dahlin to travel to Sweden to be with Matovac during her recovery, and he spent much of the 2025-26 season away from the team. Matovac was finally able to attend her first Sabres game on March 25, 2026, receiving a standing ovation from the Buffalo crowd.

  • In the summer of 2025, Matovac suffered heart failure while on vacation with Dahlin in France.
  • Matovac was on life support for weeks before receiving a life-saving heart transplant.
  • Matovac attended her first Sabres game on March 25, 2026.

The players

Rasmus Dahlin

A 26-year-old defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres who is one of the best players in the NHL. He had a brilliant 2025-26 season, scoring 19 goals with 55 assists.

Carolina Matovac

Rasmus Dahlin's fiancee, who suffered a near-death medical emergency while on vacation with Dahlin in 2025. She received a life-saving heart transplant and has since recovered, attending her first Sabres game in March 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Without her receiving lifesaving CPR, the result would have been unimaginable. It is hard to even think about the worst-case scenario.”

— Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres Defenseman

“You will always hold a special place in our hearts as our first baby, even though we never had the chance to meet. Our love for you is endless.”

— Carolina Matovac

What’s next

The Sabres will look to Rasmus Dahlin to lead them in their first playoff appearance in 15 years, with his fiancee Carolina Matovac cheering him on from the stands after her remarkable recovery.

The takeaway

Rasmus Dahlin's personal tragedy with his fiancee's near-death experience brought the Sabres team together and inspired them to rally around their star defenseman during a difficult season. Matovac's recovery and return to the stands is an uplifting moment for the team as they make their first playoff run in over a decade.